Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, The

The Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute Appeal

One-off DonationOne-offRegular DonationRegular

$

The Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that brings together research, local communities, and government agencies to support the conservation and management of the natural and cultural resources of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA) and the surrounding Sydney basin region.

The GBMWHA was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2000 for its unique eucalypt ecosystem and is internationally recognised for its biodiversity and cultural values. The GBMWHA covers over one million hectares, and is the catchment and lungs of the Sydney basin.

The UNESCO World Heritage Convention guides the Institute's work, which is to facilitate interdisciplinary research into the region's unique environment. Three program areas - Natural and Cultural Heritage, Sustainable Development and Community Engagement provide the focus of the Institute's work.

How will the funds be used?

Funds raised will support the Institute's environmental and social research, as well as community engagement and education projects.

Key Areas of Expenditure

Natural and Cultural Heritage Program:

monitoring impacts of climate change, fire and introduced species, and developing an adaptive management framework for the GBMWHA

mapping the Aboriginal cultural heritage values of the GBMWHA

fire research and planning

recording/documenting rock art of GBMWHA

Indigenous co-management within the GBMWHA

Sustainable Development Program:

sustainable agri-industries neighbouring the GBMWHA

agroforestry and bioenergy research

energy-efficiency projects

sustainable tourism

Community Engagement Program:

community cultural development involving workshops and exhibitions on subjects such as rock art, fire and ecological conservation